By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A former police officer charged with using excessive force to arrest a hostile Iraq war veteran defended his actions on the witness stand Thursday, telling jurors it was necessary to strike his alleged victim two dozen times with a night stick.
The ex-NYPD officer, David London, said he was trying to restrain the alleged assault victim, 28-year-old Walter Harvin, who was shouting profanities in the lobby of his De Hostos apartments building on West 93rd Street.
"He said, 'I'll f**king kill you,' " London testified under questioning from his lawyer, Stephen Worth.
"Did you think that he was going to make a move on you?" Worth asked.
"Yes, sir," London said. "He was going to attack me, sir."
But on cross-examination, prosecutors demanded to know why the repeated hits were necessary, considering the blows continued even after Harvin was handcuffed and on the ground.
"Isn't it true that when he was down you kept hitting him over and over and over again?" said Assistant District Attorney David Drucker.
After answering "no" several times, London conceded.
"Yes, sir," London said, adding "Sir, he kept on moving."
Earlier, London testified his training taught him someone who is handcuffed can still be a threat.
London faces assault and falsifying records charges.
